The Prowers Medical Center Rehabilitation Department welcomed Katy Prussin, new occupational therapist, to the team in early May.

Katy Prussin, OT

Prussin provides inpatient, outpatient and home health occupational therapy services for Prowers Medical Center patients. She works with children and adults of any age and helps them get back to performing daily activities more easily after an illness, injury, surgery or other disability that limits their full function. Her goal is to provide high-quality, compassionate care to patients in Prowers County.

“From what I have seen so far, the patients at Prowers Medical Center are kind, hardworking and dedicated to their health,” Prussin said. “I am excited to work with people to address any occupational therapy needs they may have.”

Healthcare Background

Prussin attained her bachelor’s degree in Human Development at Virginia Tech and her master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of New England in Maine. She completed two fields of work as part of her OT program — one in a rehabilitation facility and the other in an elementary school. Before becoming an occupational therapist, she cared for others in a different way as a preschool teacher and swim instructor.

Prussin was always attracted to a career in healthcare, but when her mom got sick, the career path felt more personal. Her mother was battling cancer, and as a result, Prussin spent her fair share of time in the hospital and at doctor’s appointments. She wanted to impact others’ lives in the same way hers was impacted.

“I was inspired by the kind and caring practitioners who truly wanted to help us,” she said. “After that, I made it my mission to help patients and their families through difficult times.”

Making A Difference

When it comes to patient care, Prussin aims to be her patient’s partner in health. She takes the time to truly listen to what they are telling her, expressing empathy for their unique situation. Rather than forcing opinions or requiring certain tasks of a patient, she works closely with them to develop a treatment plan that helps them achieve their goals in their own desired way.

Prussin said she works with a wide variety of patients with different types of OT needs — for example, an older adult who needs help with self-care skills after a fall, a middle-aged person who needs to regain hand function after surgery or a child with fine motor deficits who needs to participate more fully in their education.

“Occupational therapy is so broad and can truly benefit anyone,” she said. “I love that OT is patient-centered. Each treatment we provide is unique and catered specifically to the patient. There is not just one way of doing things, which is what makes it so interesting and fun.”

When a person can perform tasks and activities on their own better than before, Prussin knows she’s doing her job right.

“I love working with people to help them be as independent as possible,” she said.

Prussin grew up in Pittsburgh, Penn., but most recently lived in Portland, Maine, after bouncing around a few other towns. With Colorado on her bucket list of places to live, Prussin said she made the move after Prowers Medical Center provided her with the unique opportunity to develop a broad range of skills performing inpatient, outpatient and home health OT services. She enjoys spending her time outside of work with her husband, two cats, dog and lizard.

To schedule an appointment, or for more information on occupational therapy and other rehabilitation services offered at Prowers Medical Center, call 719-336-6728 or go to prowersmedical.com/services/rehabilitation-services.